More than 200 people have been charged following a stone-pelting incident during a protest led by a right-wing group calling for the demolition of a mosque in the Barahat area of Uttarkashi, which they allege was built on government land, reports The Times of India.
Uttarkashi Kotwali Station House Officer Amarjeet Singh reported that eight individuals have been named in FIRs filed under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) are in place across the district, according to Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Amit Shrivastava.
The incident took place on October 24, leaving 27 people injured, including seven policemen. The protest began as members of Sanyukt Hindu Sangathan staged a sit-in on the Gangotri National Highway and recited ‘Hanuman Chalisa.’ However, tensions escalated when some protesters tried to break through police barricades, leading to clashes. Police responded with tear gas and a lathi charge, causing injuries on both sides.
To prevent further unrest, District Magistrate Meharban Singh Bisht and SP Shrivastava toured the area and increased police presence in sensitive zones. Flag marches were conducted, and local markets observed a bandh in response to the call from the right-wing group.
While protesters claim the mosque is illegally constructed on government property, the district administration has clarified that the mosque is on land belonging to the Muslim community.
